A day at the Park!

Where did my little boy go?

Easter Fun

We have chosen to travel a much less traditional road in regards to our Easter celebration for the actual holiday of Easter. We are in a nice "in-between" where the big boys know the truth about holiday characters, and Isaac is too little to get it. So, we have chosen to significantly downplay the commercial side of Easter from this time on. The boys will receive gifts from us rather than from the Easter Bunny. There were no Easter baskets to find this year. We did however, take part in a local church's Easter celebration. Isaac and Shawn had a blast. Chris was a little beyond the age limits for participation.

Funny how things change. Last fall, Isaac was freaked out by these bounce houses. He had so much fun bouncing and jumping. It was rather fun to watch, until the big kids came in and got a little out of control for the little ones.

Shawn participated in the 8 - 10 year olds Easter Egg hunt.

He had quite a grasp on getting the eggs into his basket .... quickly!

Lots of Eggs!

Getting ready for the 0 - 3 year old egg hunt.

Thanks to Sherry (daycare) Isaac knew exactly what to do!

"Look at those eggs Mom!"

"Any helpful hints Dad?"

Screaming with excitement

On the hunt

Why get one egg when you can grab 3 at once.

Scoping out the goods inside the eggs.

Bucket Head Boy!

"Malachi, Look over there!"

"It's a helicopter!"

One picture with the Easter Bunny (for good measure).

Isaac actually thought he was hilarious.... just kept giggling at him!

Reason to be Proud

The older two boys have had much to be proud of over the last week.

Shawn had his 5th grade music concert.

They sang and played recorders.

They even had the opportunity to play with the Omaha Symphony!

Love this picture! Chris was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society tonight. We are all so proud! I think Shawn was even impressed (and really wants to do the same!) Now here is a picture for the memory books.... After all the hard work, it's good to remember to have fun along the way!!!

But in all honesty, We are so proud of you Chris!

You have worked hard and have been a great role model for your brothers.

We are so glad that we get to share in this accomplishment with you.

You have lots to be proud of!

Keep up the good work!!!

The piece of the Birthday pics

These are all in random order but.... still enjoyable.

Clapping about blowing out the candles.

Blowing out the candles! Singing Happy Birthday..... to himself!!! Finally realized about halfway through that we were singing to him. Then he thought it was hilarious! Grandma and Grandpa got Isaac a "bike." He was so excited! (Now maybe we can leave daycare without a massive meltdown) Malachi wanted his mom to know how cool this bike is.... "Hey Mom - I want one too....with the HORN!!!"

Malachi and Z got Isaac a cool truck.....

That deserves a hug!

Annie got him a baseball set (and some golf clubs....weapons or toys???)

That deserves a kiss!!!

Funny Story on that last picture.

Isaac was totally engrossed in opening presents. He opened the ball set from Annie, said thanks and moved on. At one point though, I had told him that he should give her a kiss and hug. So in the middle of the next present, it registered. So he got up, looked around and said "oh Annie, a hug and kiss." Then he ran over to her and gave her the cutest lovin' ever!

Shape book from brothers

Waiting for the balloons to come back up

Playing with Balloons on the stairs.

Z with her party hat

Birthday boy and his buddy Malachi

Aunt Annie and the Birthday boy who refused to smile!

Thanks again for all the help Mom and Annie! I couldn't have done it without you!!!

The Birthday Cake

Hand-made with love by 3 generations

(the frosting recipe is from Great Grandma Marilyn and a tradition that has been going on for quite some time - Grandma used to make my birthday cake each year with this special whipped frosting. Now - my mom, Isaac's grandma Carol, made it for the construction cake this year.)

Didn't it turn out cute?

For my first cake EVER... I thought so!

Thanks Aunt Annie and Grandma Carol for the help!

AGE 2

So... first things first.... I took my camera with me so I could snap a few pics of Isaac at daycare today. I then took it out of my car so that it would not be reason for anyone to break into my car.... and I left the camera tucked in my cubby at work. GRRRR!!! so the pictures will have to wait but I can do the other updates now and add pictures later. Here goes nothing.... I am sure I will forget something but at least it is a start to describing our 2 year old.

* Spells his name (to the tune of B-i-n-g-o song)

* Says his ABC's ( with a jumble at the LMNOP section)

* Counts to 20 (skipping a few of the teens.... I think it is 14, 15, 16)

* Talks non-stop with about 80% of it being intelligible

* Speaks in 3-5 word sentences

* Labels colors - Red and Blue consistently

* Labels so many items in his environment I can't even begin to list them.

* Describes everything on the way to "school" each day - "Oh wook (look), I see a 'cool (school) bus" "Momma, I see a gog (dog)" "A hairpain (airplane)" "A dumptuck (truck)"

* Loves shapes - labels triangle, circle and star consistently

* Is getting his 2 year molars (Blech!)

* Sleeps 8 p.m. - 7 a.m. most days

* Takes one 2 - 3 hour nap each day (12:30 - 3ish)

* Eats pretty well.... especially fruit! (Mom has gotten pretty good at sneaking in the veggies though!)

* Knows people in his everyday environment by name (Mom, Dad, Brothers, Grandparents, Aunt/Uncle, Friends (Brayden & Brayden, Shannon, Jackie, Eddie, Egon, Claire... and his BFF Malachi & Z)

* Is all boy! Top of his head to the tips of his toes!

* Sings songs... Itsy Bitsy Spider, This Little light of mine, You are my sunshine, Make me a servant, Twinkle Twinkle, Jesus loves me, ABC's, Beehive song, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and right now is singing Bob the Builder (Thanks for the card Grandma and Grandpa!)

* Loves Books!

* Is still just the sweetest munchkin ever! (ya know... 'cept for those precious 2 year old moments spent tantruming on the floor!)

Dear Isaac - You are just the sweetest little boy. We are so loving raising you. Thanks for bringing joy to our life and letting us share your life with you. I love rocking you and reading to you before bed. Our bedtime routine is to read 3 books, say prayers and sing some songs. It is the best time of day. You sing along with me and snuggle in close. You give the sweetest little kisses and the nicest hugs. Daddy and I can't believe how big you are and how fast you are growing up.

We love you!

love Mommy and Daddy

Turning...

Tomorrow....

He's....

Turning 2!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

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I will post more birthday pictures and 2 year updates tomorrow.

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